Although the concept of using vegetable oil as fuel is as old as the diesel engine, biodiesel acceptance and use on a wider scale is a fairly new event.

The properties of biodiesel are so similar to petroleum diesel that it can be used as a stand-alone fuel (B100), or it can be blended with diesel at any ratio.  For example, B20 = 20% Biodiesel.

As one of the premier providers of biodiesel in the U.S., Sundays Energy has a wealth of experience in converting to and driving with biodiesel. By sharing our knowledge, we hope to offer you assistance when looking to set up your car, find support, compare quality standards, decipher warranty information and communicate with mechanics.

Biodiesel is the first alternative fuel to have fully completed the Health Effects testing requirements in the U.S. Clean Air Act Amendments of 1990. The use of biodiesel in a conventional diesel engine results in a substantial reduction of unburned hydrocarbons, carbon monoxide, and particulate matter.

• Biodiesel use decreases the solid carbon fraction of particulate matter (since the oxygen in biodiesel enables more complete combustion of CO₂)
• Biodiesel reduces net carbon dioxide (CO₂) emissions by 100%
• Biodiesel reduces soot emissions by 40-60%
• Biodiesel reduces carbon monoxide (CO) emissions by 10-50%
• The use of biodiesel reduces sulfur dioxide (SO₂) emissions by 100%
• Biodiesel reduces hydrocarbon (HC) emissions by 10-50%
• Biodiesel effectively eliminates all polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs)
• Biodiesel works well with new technologies such as catalysts, particulate traps, and exhaust gas recirculation
• Emissions of nitrogen oxides are either slightly reduced or slightly increased depending on the age of the vehicle and the tuning of the engine
• Biodiesel replaces the exhaust odor typical of petroleum diesel with the pleasant smell of french fries or donuts

Biodiesel is a very safe fuel to handle, store, and transport. Here's why:

• Biodiesel has a high flash point (the point at which fuel ignites) and low volatility, so it does not ignite as easily as conventional diesel. This increases the margin of safety in its handling. The flashpoint for B100 is 300º F, versus about 125º F for regular No. 2 diesel
• Biodiesel is biodegradable, meaning it dissipates quickly after a spill
• Biodiesel degrades four times faster than conventional diesel and is not particularly soluble in water
• Biodiesel is nontoxic, so it is safe to handle, transport, and store

Biodiesel is an easy, ‘drop-in’ replacement to conventional fossil diesel. Biodiesel can be operated in any diesel engine with little or no modification to the engine or the fuel system. There are, however, a few things to keep in mind if you are thinking of running biodiesel in your vehicle:

• Fuel-grade biodiesel must meet strict industry specifications, referred to as ASTM D 6751. Be sure to buy ASTM spec biodiesel before running it in your engine (your fuel provider should have the documentation).
• Biodiesel doesn’t only burn cleaner; it’s also a great cleaner. Biodiesel has a solvent effect that may release deposits accumulated in the fuel line from years of previous diesel fuel storage. The release of deposits may initially clog filters. It is recommended after first switching to biodiesel that you check fuel filters often (especially during the first two weeks) and change them as needed. After all the leftover fossil deposits have been cleaned off your engine tank and fuel system, your filters will need to be changed less often.
• In older vehicles (in most cases, pre-1994), biodiesel’s solvent effects may corrode any natural rubbers. This is especially true if you intend on using B100. You can check with your vehicle’s manufacturer as well as with your mechanic in order to determine if any natural rubber hoses or seals need replacing before filling up with biodiesel. Order Viton replacement hoses online.

Compared to petroleum diesel, biodiesel:

• Can be produced domestically
• Is a renewable resource
• Is biodegradable
• Is not dangerous to handle and store
• Provides economic gain to American farmers and industry
• Does not contribute to global warming
• Releases no toxic byproducts in emissions
• Does not contribute to sulfur pollution (acid rain)
• Procurement does not pollute local environments
• Is not toxic to humans and other animals

• Biodiesel fuel is produced through a refining process called "transesterification."
• Anything called biodiesel in the U.S. must meet strict industry specifications, referred to as ASTM D-6751. Raw vegetable oil cannot meet these specifications.

Biodiesel provides up to a 90% reduction in most vehicle emissions, including those that cause cancer and contribute to global warming. Biodiesel contains essentially no sulfur or aromatics, and allows for the use of catalytic converters and other emissions-reducing technologies. Biodiesel production yields 96% less hazardous solid wastes, uses 79% less water, and consumes 70-90% less energy than fossil diesel production does. Blends as low as B20 have reduced soot exhaust by 83%. Biodiesel removes deposits in tanks and fuel systems left by petrodiesel. And biodiesel has a nice smell compared to petrodiesel when burned!

Biodiesel is domestically grown, processed and distributed. Biodiesel reduces our dependence on foreign oil, and stimulates local economies.

• Biodiesel can be made from any plant that yields oil, along with animal fats, float grease, recycled cooking oils and even bugs.
• Biodiesel is carbon neutral. Plants use all the CO₂ emitted when biodiesel burns.
• Feed stocks are everywhere!

• High lubricity (even B2 increases it > 65%) extends engine life
• Higher cetane rating (46-62)
• Higher oxygen content (11%)
• Used successfully in millions of on-road and nautical miles
• Almost always smoothes engine operation